Indigenous Affairs Native nations lead salmon restoration efforts in Columbia Basin The number of returning adult salmon and steelhead has doubled since the 1990s, but is still only halfway to the NWPCC’s goal of 5 million. by Nika Bartoo-Smith Underscore + ICT / February 10, 2025
Indigenous Affairs Cowlitz Tribe youth help lead this year’s First Salmon Ceremony “It’s what we do to thank the salmon for what they give,” said Lydia Hodges, 15, part of the new generation carrying on the sacred ritual. by Nika Bartoo-Smith Underscore + ICT / June 24, 2024
Indigenous Affairs Yakama Nation’s new public safety campus gives justice room to grow The tribal court system, which had occupied a cluster of trailers since the ’50s, plans to add services like a mental health or a veterans court. by Nika Bartoo-Smith Underscore News and ICT / January 9, 2024
Equity Snoqualmie Tribe starts land protection sales tax at Salish Lodge The 2% tax will preserve ancestral sites such as Snoqualmie Falls, and could be a model for other Indigenous nations. by Nika Bartoo-Smith Underscore/ICT / July 17, 2023
News The Washington mental health lifeline made for and by Native people The Native and Strong Lifeline provides connection and culturally specific care to callers in crisis. by Nika Bartoo-Smith Indian Country Today and Underscore News / June 19, 2023
News Abused in foster care, convicted of murder and a complex story of second chances Arthur Longworth became a model of redemption. Despite earning policy and legal support, it was still incredibly difficult to get him out of prison. by Claudia Rowe / April 20, 2022
News A foster system paradox: Parents billed for care of their children Studies show charging child support extends family separations and can spur years of debt for parents in poverty. WA is pushing to change the practice. by Claudia Rowe / March 22, 2022
Equity WA officials want to end fees charged to parents for kids' jail time Hundreds of families owe the state a total of $1.1 million in outstanding detention fees, a practice made legal in WA 45 years ago. by Claudia Rowe / February 10, 2022
Opinion In Maple Valley hit-and-run case, revenge isn’t the answer Some want the young teen who killed a man with a car to be tried as an adult. Here's why I think they're wrong. by Claudia Rowe / October 12, 2021 / Updated on Nov. 2, 2021 at 4:06 pm
Opinion Seattle Public Schools’ delta dysfunction Without a more nimble approach to COVID contingencies, WA's largest school district risks losing vital state funding — and parent trust. by Claudia Rowe / September 15, 2021